While oral agreements are easy & less formal, they are not recommended. Turnover of management & roommates make it hard to prove verbal agreements in court.

A month-to-month rental agreement: Rent is paid on a monthly basis. A 30 day notice is required prior to moving out.

A lease agreement: Rental term is stated and is generally six months or one year. Generally, leases state that you may not move out or break the lease before the term is complete.

READ THE LEASE before you sign it.

Security Deposits

Almost all landlords require a tenant to pay some sort of deposit when the tenant moves into a rental property.

The amount cannot exceed two times the rent (unfurnished) or three times the monthly rent (furnished).

Holding Deposits

Some landlords require a deposit to hold ("reserve") a rental unit for the tenant. Ask for confirmation of holding deposit terms (in writing); i.e., the amount that will be refunded, amount to be applied to rent and/or security deposit, or if the potential tenant changes his/her mind about moving in, what the landlord may keep to cover expenses.

In accordance with the California Tenants' Handbook, a landlord who does not accept you as a tenant must
return your entire holding deposit.

Moving In

Inspection Prior to Move In

Prior to moving in, schedule a move-in inspection with the landlord.

Use a written checklist and keep a copy.

Maintenance and Repairs

The implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain their rental property in a habitable condition at
all times. The rental must comply with local building/housing and standards that maintain tenants' health & safety.

The tenant is responsible for damages caused by him/her or anyone else for which he/she is responsible (e.g. children, guests and pets) that result from neglect or abuse.

Be clear on when rent is due, where payment should be sent, and the policy regarding late fees and late payment
of rent.

If you have a lease for more than 30 days, your rent cannot be increased during the term of the lease, unless the lease allows rent increases.

Having Roommates

Unless you have a lease in YOUR NAME ONLY, you sign and agree to assume responsibility for each of the co-
tenants who have also signed the lease. You are "jointly and severally bound" to adhere to the terms of the lease,
regardless of personal changes that may occur during the year, i.e., one roommate doesn't pay, the remaining co-
tenants on lease are liable to the landlord for all rent.

To end your month-to-month rental agreement, you must give your landlord a 30 day written notice before you move out.

To avoid misunderstandings, date the notice, state the date you intend to move, and make a copy of the notice for yourself.

Resident and Owner Responsibilities

A tenant has the right to request that the landlord conduct a walk-through of the rental unit two weeks prior to the termination of their tenancy.

Tenants may fix or clean problems in the apartment before move out to avoid deductions from their security deposit.

Security Deposits

Within 21 days after vacating the premises, the landlord must:

Notify the tenant regarding the status or disposition of their security deposit.

Refund the deposit with an explanation of the deductions

Provide an itemized list of all deductions (over $125.00) with receipts/invoices for costs related to cleaning & repairs.

A landlord can charge a tenant for:

Cleaning* including carpet & window coverings

Damage to rental unit beyond normal wear and tear.

Unpaid rent

*Standards of cleaning are subjective, even if you believe you have thoroughly cleaned your apartment before moving out. To avoid assumptions about this portion read the terms of your lease and document in writing what policies & procedures the landlord has about cleaning when moving out.